Village reaps what it sowed as community garden bears fruit

When Stockton Primary School’s Tuckwell Garden was planted last May villagers helped dig beds, build greenhouses and put up fences.

A year on, pupils are able to sell vegetables, flowers and eggs to the community, using the proceeds to pay for more seeds and tools.

Stockton Parish Council chairman Cllr Howard Collerson, believes everybody can be proud of their involvement.

He said: “Volunteers have always been available to help - when ten tonnes of topsoil was dropped at the gate and we were told we had two days to move it, a local farmer did the job for us in an hour. That’s just one of many examples.

“But most of all we have been staggered by the dedication of the children whose efforts in selling their produce have been the reason that this community garden is such a success.”

The Tuckwell Garden was named after a village rector who rose to national prominence in the late 19th century for his radical views and philanthropic practices.

It was set up with money from Warwickshire County Council, Stockton Parish Council and the Heart of England Co-op, and has drawn on the talents of many villagers.

Volunteers have helped children plant runner beans, courgettes, aubergines, tomatoes, peas and lettuces and build a chicken run, while a farmer donated six hens to lay fresh eggs.

A mini weather station has also been installed with a thermometer, rain gauge, wind vane and barometer to help pupils learn about weather.

Warwickshire county councillor John Appleton said: “Teaching children about the advantages of healthy eating and giving them exercise and an enjoyable recreation are obvious benefits of the garden, but the way in which other residents have become involved and the incredible community cohesion this project has brought about is what makes it such a good example of how a little can go a long way.”